Pakistan’s special Christmas Peace Train begins its journey from Islamabad

Many curious citizens turned up at Islamabad Railway station to get a glimpse of Pakistan’s first ever Christmas Peace Train

Pakistan has this time taken an encouraging interfaith harmony initiative by launching a special Christmas Peace Train ahead of Christmas 2016 celebrations in the country.

Wonderfully decorated with three galleries and two floats, the Christmas Train was launched from Islamabad on Thursday. The train reached Peshawar by evening on Thursday and is scheduled to reach Karachi on December 31, 2016 covering different cities like Jhelum, Lahore, Sahiwal, Rohri ,Tando Adam and Hyderabad.

Christmas Peace train has been inaugurated o spread the message of love, peace and harmony to help counter religious intolerance.

“Peace train is a symbol of peace, love, equality and harmony and it will spread the message of love and peace and create awareness about tolerance and interfaith harmony” Minister for Human Rights Kamran Michael said.

He added that the present day, Pakistan has become a Pakistan of our dreams with no differences of religion, cast, colors, or creed.

On the occasion of the launch of special 2016 ‘Xmas Peace Train’, Minister for Railways Khuwaja Saad Rafique, hailed the role of minority groups, especially Christians, in the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

“The white colour of our national flag denotes minority groups, and it is incomplete without them,” he said, adding that this train would serve as a symbol of unity, tranquillity and harmony wherever it would go.

The Christian community in Pakistan is estimated to be 1.6% of the population according to 2005 survey.

The two Ministers highlighted that Christian community has served this country with devotion and passion and their struggle will always be acknowledged.

The Peace train would promote interfaith harmony and will reflect the strong bonds of Muslims and Christian communities.

A view of the model of reindeer chariot with Santa Claus displayed on Christmas train which was inaugurated at Islamabad Railway Station ahead of Xmas. Photo: ONLINE/Waseem Khan

People viewing the first ever special Christmas train decorated with models of Santa Claus and other Christmas items to mark the Christmas 2016 celebrations.